By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Public Health – Seattle & King County urges King County residents to take very seriously the recommendations to limit social contacts and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Image/CDC

On Tuesday, health officials reported 74 additional cases, bringing the official case count total in King County to 190. In addition, two new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 22.

Access to more testing is showing us that COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly in King County. Ten long-term care facilities have reported positive COVID-19 cases.

Public Health is working with 10 long-term care facilities where residents and/or employees have tested positive for the virus.

The following facilities have reported residents and/or employees who tested positive for the virus:

  • Life Care Center of Kirkland
  • Issaquah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
  • Emerald Heights
  • Aegis Living at Marymoor
  • Redmond Care & Rehabilitation Center
  • Ida Culver House Ravenna
  • Boulevard Park Place Active Retirement Community
  • Madison House Independent & Assisted Living Community
  • The Gardens at Juanita Bay
  • Columbia Lutheran Home

Public Health says it is critically important for residents to take seriously the precautions announced previously:

  • Employers should encourage and enable as many employees as possible to telecommute and follow other guidance for businesses.
  • Avoid bringing large groups of people together, and consider postponing events and gatherings.
  • Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out in public when you are sick. If you are ill in any way call your doctor’s office first before going in.

In particular, we all should take steps to help protect those at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19. The following recommendations apply to everyone – and are especially important for those at higher risk:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid crowds and other congregate settings.
    • Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Clean your hands often.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies. Create a household plan of action (see CDC’s home plan checklist).
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs.
    • Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.

Pay attention for potential symptoms.

  • COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.


People at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are:

  • People older than 60 years
  • People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Pregnant people

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